Learn the Biggest Issues that Face Blended Families and How The Right Therapist Can Help
How to Resolve Blended Family ConflictWhat is a Step-Parent’s RoleHow Does a Step-Parent Discipline a Step-ChildPositive Adjustments to Blended Marriages
Specialty: Couples, Teens, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Addictions, Life Transitions, Weight Management, Sports Performance
Specialty: Children, Youth, Emerging Adults, Families, Trauma, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Assessments, Therapy
Specialty: Child, Youth and Family Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Family Relationships, Peer Relationships, Trauma, Grief, Bullying, Self-Esteem, Problematic Behaviour, Anger
Specialty: Couples, Teens, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Addictions, Life Transitions, Weight Management, Sports Performance
Specialty: Children, Youth, Emerging Adults, Families, Trauma, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Assessments, Therapy
Specialty: Child, Youth and Family Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Family Relationships, Peer Relationships, Trauma, Grief, Bullying, Self-Esteem, Problematic Behaviour, Anger
We jumped into this blended family with a balloon filled with hope and a belief stronger than the Rock of Gibraltar. We were so excited to knit our families together with courage and love. After all, the love I have for my husband is immense and he is so NOT like the children’s father. Even the kids loved him!
But last night’s conversation was raw, tough and real! We finally admitted, this isn’t working. We are all hurting and hurting each other.
Often, I feel like we are two parent-kid planets orbiting around each other. On really bad days we look more like Cruella de Vil’s family, swimming in selfishness, jealousy, power struggles, heartbreak, loss and confusion. There are a lot of different issues working at cross purposes against us, like mismatched custody schedules, different approaches to co-parenting with exes, and the fact that our kids still grieve the loss of their original families. Not to mention new traditions, new extended families, two households and more complicated everything.
In its most basic sense, a blended family is one where the parents have children from previous relationships but all the members come together as one unit.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Wow, this question is both easy and tough! The answer is probably not too different than in a first marriage. When to call it quits is a personal decision. Because this is a major decision that affects more than just you, you need to make sure that you have done all that you can to repair the broken relationships. Certainly, if after efforts to get help it is still an abusive and even chronically toxic environment, you may decide to separate. An online therapist can help lead you through these difficult decisions so that you can feel good about either turning your focus to repairing the family or to recognizing that this situation is not likely to repair.
Stepparenting is as unique as parenting. There is no one way to train a child to become a responsible, compassionate adult. The task is as varied as the uniqueness of each child. What is certain is that the role of a stepparent must be thoroughly discussed with the biological parent to understand expectations and roles. An online therapist can really be helpful in uncovering the hidden landmines and the typical unseen challenges. However, many family therapists believe that the role of the stepparent needs to be more like that of a loving uncle or aunt, one who is not responsible for the discipline but supports both the child and the parent.
Do not come between a ‘momma bear and her cub’! All of us hikers know that, through and through. Dealing with a mom and her child who is now in the care of her ex, or worse, the ex’s new girlfriend or wife, will often get mom up on her hind feet roaring. When a mother’s instinct is triggered, the same strength and beauty of her nurturing instincts will also vehemently protect as well. I think we can expect that to be somewhat normal, at least until trust and respect is established.
The real challenge is to understand that no matter what the courts say momma bear will always be ready to protect. This makes it all the more important to work together to be respectful and trustworthy.
While this sounds simple it becomes at least twice as hard as when you were in a first marriage.
Stepparents always seem surprised! They thought they had agreed about how to parent and what to expect; however, they often have not even touched the surface of finishing the difficult conversations to make sure they are on the same page. They do not get it. They think that this second or third marriage will use the same strategy as the first one. While understandable, it is just not so. Online therapy for partners can be a real help in times of complicated chaos.
Love and respect your partner. Expect that the children will endeavour to divide and conquer. Support your partner while being attentive to your children’s needs.
It becomes both biological parents’ responsibility to support the discipline of disrespectful behaviour in both homes.
Ask both of the biological parents, then make your decision.
We’ve supported 35,000+ individuals. We have completed over 300,000 sessions to date. We have a countrywide network of therapists.
Catching negative thought triggers is a significant strategy that therapists at Bayridge use to train children in emotional management.
Bayridge Kids are taught to monitor their heart rate variability through increased self-awareness and learn to turn the dial down when emotionally flooding.
Bayridge Kids has worked with children to increase attention, memory, behavioural control, and focus. This always includes collaboratively working with parents and often teachers.
We believe that in working with children we also must work with the parents. After all, there is no more important influence in their lives than their parent.
Children thrive in safe, secure environments. Separation, divorce, or change can trigger anxiety, depression, or acting out behaviours. It is critical for child development that all small ‘T’ trauma is effectively processed in their brain, memory, and emotions for no lingering effects.
Kids, Control, Chocolates and Cards
Your kid is a beautiful bundle of unpredictability. There are millions, if not billions, of genetic variabilities in the composition of your child. We cannot control what we get in a child. “Life is like a box of chocolates. You don’t know what you will get.” Your child is a gift on life’s adventure. Your child and you have been dealt cards. Your job is to play the hand you have been given.
The benefits of online therapy may outweigh the face-to-face experience. One person explains: I would rather watch an entire streaming series than see only a few in high definition. In other words, the benefit of online allows me to meet regularly and consistently, at my convenience. In the end it is all about finishing well!
Since COVID forced our industry to practice online, client feedback shows online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy, and far more convenient and dependable. (exception: serious and complicated mental health issues.) Hence more and more of our clients prefer online therapy.
We can usually connect you with a therapist within 24 hours.
Our intake specialists are highly trained and sensitive and our administrator is always there to answer your questions.
(905) 319-1488
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© 2026 Bayridge Counselling Centres.
All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer | Legal | SEO by Logik Digital
(905) 319-1488
Children and Temper! It is difficult when your child reacts and gets mad. They do not know what to do with the big feelings inside them. Bayridge therapists are trained to connect and build a high trust relationship with children in order that they feel safe and understood. Therapists then strategically train children, using their brains natural neurological rerouting to manage BIG feelings!